Old Town Village in Piscataway will serve as the host to several holiday traditions for the whole family on Dec. 13, including crafts, carriage rides and live music. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MIDDLESEX COUNTY OFFICEOF CULTURE AND HERITAGE PISCATAWAY — The Middlesex County Office of Culture and Heritage invites residents to experience its “Seasonal Traditions” holiday program at East Jersey Old Town Village in Piscataway.
The special events, all free of charge, will be held at the village from 1 to 6 p.m. on Dec. 13.
“This season reminds us of the importance of togetherness,” said Middlesex County Freeholder Kenneth Armwood, chair of the county’s Business Development and Education Committee. “What better way to spend time strolling the candlelit village, which will be decked out in its finest antique holiday decorations? Enjoy a cup of hot cider around the fire pit and make this one of your new holiday traditions.”
A children’s craft session will be held from 2 to 3 p.m. Children ages 5-9 are in- vited to make two special winter-themed crafts: a paper gingerbread house and a snowman friend that will count down to Christmas. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Horse and carriage rides will be offered from 3 to 6 p.m. Guests will enjoy the views of Johnson Park from a horse-drawn carriage. Call ahead to register for a time slot; the carriage will depart every 15 minutes.
Singer-songwriter Mary Roth will perform songs related to Hanukah and other aspects of Jewish culture from 3 to 4 p.m. She will incorporate the dulcimer and the bouzouki in her performance while singing in Hebrew, Yiddish and English.
Vocal quartet Spiced Punch will perform traditional Christmas carols from 5 to 6 p.m. while costumed in reproduction 19th-century garb. David Emerson, Stacy Roth, Marianne Tucker and Tom Tucker will perform on strings, recorders, tin whistles and concertinas.
A guided tour of the village will be offered at 1:30 p.m.
Refreshments will be served from 4 to 5 p.m.
Registration is required for each activity by sending an email to culturalandheritage@ co.middlesex.nj.us or by calling 732- 745-3030, ext. 310. Guests may choose to register for any combination of the day’s programs.
“Our Office of Culture and Heritage fills a special role, connecting our residents to our history through education and entertainment,” said Middlesex County Freeholder Director Ronald G. Rios. “This is one event not to be missed.”
East Jersey Old Town Village is located at 1050 River Road in Piscataway, inside Johnson Park.
Persons with hearing disabilities may dial 732-745-3888 (TTY users only) or 711, the New Jersey Relay System. In case of inclement weather, call 732-462-8262.